Every day we come into contact with hundreds of surfaces that harbor invisible microorganisms. The telephone, door handles, elevator buttons and handrails in transportation are transit zones for bacteria and viruses. Hand hygiene – is the easiest and most affordable way to prevent pathogens from entering the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth.
Most people wash their hands automatically, taking only a few seconds to do so. However, simple water or quick contact with soap cannot break down the lipid layer of the viral envelope. Thorough cleansing requires a certain mechanics of movement to remove dirt even in hard-to-reach areas.
Why technique is more important than frequency
The primary purpose of washing is not just to wet the skin, but to create friction and foam that mechanically removes the pathogenic bacteria. Mistakes in this process leave germs on your fingertips, between your fingertips and under your fingernails.
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Soap is necessary to dissolve the greasy film in which dirt is trapped.
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Exposure time should be at least twenty seconds for complete deactivation of most microbes.
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Mechanical friction of the palms of the hands, back of the hands and thumbs ensures uniform cleaning.
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Hand drying is an essential step, as a moist environment favors faster multiplication of microorganisms and their transmission on contact.
Regular and proper disinfection significantly reduces the risk of acute respiratory infections and food poisoning. It helps to maintain immunity in a stable state and protects others from the spread of infectious agents.
The use of antiseptics is only a temporary measure that does not replace full-fledged washing with running water. Human Health directly depends on the quality of this basic procedure, which has become the foundation of modern preventive medicine.
Proper hand cleansing forms a reliable barrier against seasonal diseases and contributes to longevity.
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